Zip Dee Awning Tips And Tricks

[@rogerdennison8154]

I come back to this video again and again when I can’t remember the procedure. Thanks!👍🏻👍🏻

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks so much for the super nice comment. We always feel especially good when someone notes that are videos help them do something that may be slightly confusing.

[@faithdillard]

Thanks! Cutest couple ever, love that you can finish each others sentences. ❤️

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks so much for watching and supporting our channel! We really appreciate it. We're glad you find our content enjoyable - we have fun making our videos.

[@faithdillard]

@@LuvSubbin oh my gosh… had no idea Rock Springs hosted an event!! I’m an oilfield kid.. lived there eons ago. Now an ER doc and have done so many Rock Springs shifts.. best place EVER to see stuff a doc will never see again !!

[@DonnaMcBroomTheriot]

My husband is out fishing and a slight wind just came up and I had to put the awning in. Thank goodness for KZbin! I watched your video and did it all by myself! Thanks!!!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and for the nice comment! We have fun making our videos and we are very happy that one of them may have averted some awning damage.

[@livingourdream9005]

My dad bought an Argosy in spring of 1979. We took it to Alaska and back that summer. The awning worked exactly the same as you showed in this video. My dad and brother were tall enough to reach the wheels without much more than standing on tip toes so they always dealt with them as the handle was just as useless then as you showed it is now. I've always thought a step stool like you use or a small step ladder would be good equipment to have along. Now I know another reason to have one with us. Thank you.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks so much for watching and we're glad that our video brought back some good memories. The step stool is also helpful for washing the truck's windshield and checking the oil...

[@elizabethyoung7589]

We use our coolers to stand on to reach the parts to open/close.

[@aalbershardt1925]

Hi you twi are wonderful. We are beginners and we live in Western Colorado. you are a wonderful teacher and the two of you gave us some great tips and we so appreciate it

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks so much for watching and the nice comment. We enjoy making our videos and always appreciate it when others find them entertaining or educational.

[@randallgodfrey3852]

The optional handles are great for setting and retracting the awning if you have a bad shoulder, which I see you do not. I have a 27’ and the awning is longer and heavier. To get all my ”wheelies” and the travel latch secured, I get the wheelies in place first, loosely, then lock the travel latch before tightening the wheelies. Lastly, an old Airstreamer told me to roll the awning up to the point where the aluminum cover starts to come around, then let go of the tension on the strap, don't lose the loop, and let the awning snap closed. This makes sure it is tightly wound on the roll for travel. A Zip Dee employee confirmed that tip.

[@LuvSubbin]

Also excellent tips. I don't know why I do the travel hook first, just have always done it that way...

[@chrissylaws8488]

K M 0:50 😊mmnn K.

[@maryamato5101]

Thank you for this video. Knowing the tricks to the Zip Dee awning is a must. I learned the hard way and put one of the arms in the wrong spot and then bent the arm when trying to lock the awning.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! We have fun making our videos and always appreciate it when someone else finds them educational or entertaining.

[@mgten40]

Another great video. I’d never heard about the caravan position and I think that would work for my parking spot that’s next to the garage. I love your videos very much.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! I think it's funny that Zip Dee calls it the "caravan" position - an obvious nod to Airstreaming...

[@2021-j2d]

You both try so hard to be helpful. Appreciate you 😉

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! We have fun making our videos and always appreciate it when others find them educational or entertaining.

[@ScreechingWife]

Thank you so much for explaining the caravan position. It was very helpful!!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Though part of our repertoire, we admittedly don't use it very often...

[@janjeffers3462]

Just purchased a Caravel - Zip Dee awning, patio was impossible by myself to pull the arms out on each side. Used a ladder to get a better angle as I am 5’ 3”. that helped me to pull the ratchet out.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and we hoped our video was useful. It can be very difficult to set the arms even for someone that is 5'10" if there is a downslope. The ladder is a great idea.

[@Connie938]

Thank you! My grandsons wrapped my strap up and I need to get it back!

[@lambda4931]

Your awning is so clean. Looks great!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for the compliment. I think it's Sunbrella fabric but whatever it is it's quality stuff.

[@passcontent7126]

Amazing!!! It is our first Airstream and my first try (Awning utilization) was not so nice. Now? a real charm 😎👍

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks so much for watching and the nice comment on our video. We were glad that it was useful.

[@teachwithtina]

Thank you for this video! One thing I noticed is that the spring-loaded arms on your awning move so easily! Mine are practically frozen, making it so difficult for this 58-year-old weakling! Do you use a lubricant or something else to keep it moving so nicely? Thanks!

[@LuvSubbin]

We love our Zip Dee awning! But like many things, you have to treat it right and hopefully our practices will be useful...

[@tommuenster5939]

Thank you for this great information! Well done!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and we're glad it was helpful.

[@valerieclifton3902]

Digging this video. Would you consider doing a video on how you lubricate it? I also have an issue where the main support is wobbly. The screws look ok, but probably need to tighten them. I am looking for content because I do not want to damage my awning. Luv it, but it needs more TLC. Thanks for your channel.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Until we make that video (good suggestion) I will say that the most important thing about lubricating a Zip Dee awning is to use spray Silicone. Do not use WD-40. I mentioned that I was doing that to the Zip Dee guy and he immediately corrected me.

[@Dockwatcher]

Nice Job !!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Zip Dees can be temperamental so we hope this helped.

[@douglashart6379]

Rich. The forecast for today is 4-6 MPH and partly cloudy here in Silverton, CO. My awning is out and I am inside working away. All of a sudden the trailer is shaking and the wind is blowing. I went out and lowered the awning. Now the wind is really blowing. Your advice to lower the awning when you leave is very sound it seems.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching Doug! It's advice we adhere to strictly...

[@MySgriblo]

I notice you have a collection of check list cards around your neck are they outlined anywhere so that I might make a set? Thank you in advance and thank you for excellebt,informative videos......

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! All of our checklists can be viewed and downloaded for free at www.luvsubbin.com/checklists

[@MySgriblo]

@@LuvSubbin Thank you so much for sharing these lists! ....it is really appreciated!

[@FollowingtheYellowBrickRoad]

I use a ladder too! I’m 4’11” and do this all by myself! I also do the travel locks by hand while I’m up on the ladder. It’s important to kept the side closest to the door all the way up to have clearance for the door & not damage the awning.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! That's awesome that you also use a step ladder. Even at 5'10" I sometimes find that if the Airstream is sloped a certain way it is a tough reach...

[@randallgodfrey3852]

And one more thing. I've used the caravan position a lot. It doesn't require the tilt for rain as it has enough forward tilt to shed any rain that falls on it. However, the tilt position you show, gets it out of the way so the door can open without rubbing. Extend whichever arm is closest to your door. The awning is supposed to be able to take 15 - 20 mph of wind, scary, but in caravan position the roll is not extended all the way so it is more susceptible to wind. We had an unexpected wind gust come up at one of our camps with the awning in caravan position. The gust got underneath and the awning ballooned up in a big inverted U shape. I got it under control and rolled up before any damage occurred.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and excellent comments. I've actually not used the caravan position much so thankfully have never had to test it in the wind.

[@rogerdennison8154]

Ty for the demo👍🏻. 2 things: If the awning ( like on our 2011 27’ Intl FB) hasn’t been used in, oh IDK, 2 yrs, the travel on the arms seems somewhat stuck and I’m thinking it could use a little lube, no?🤔 2) If you do use the Caravan position, I noticed you had to pull it out all the way in order to retract it. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@lynnettemckinley116]

Good video, thanks. Our awning never moves as easily as what i see on the videos.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! It should move just as easily as ours. Silicone spray is your friend!

[@jdbdallas1]

I’ve used the caravan position a few times. I wouldn’t recommend it with any kind of wind because it’s not actually locked in place. If a gust goes under the awning, it can make it extend down.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Excellent point on the caravan position. Actually, except for the explanation in the video, I don't think we've ever actually used the caravan position.

[@davidroddy2012]

Do you or have you cleaned the zip dee fabric? Thanks we enjoy your channel

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! I actually do not wash it all that often. Every time before rolling it up I'll bounce the Pull Rod on the underneath to get all the pine needles and leaves to the bottom where I'll brush it off. In the fall I'll hose it off with just water. Fabric still looks great ...

[@randallgodfrey3852]

Zip Dee has a product called WashOut for cleaning your awnings. I have used it and it works great for dirt, bird droppings, etc. and it's supposed to restore some of the fabric protection as well.

[@douglashart6379]

Thanks. I always learn something from you. I use a ladder because I am shorter than you.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks Doug!

[@ExactlyErica]

Hey guys, Great video! Didn’t know about the caravan position. Btw, what lubricant do you use for the awning? Ours is getting harder to operate and pretty sure our lack of lubricating it is the issue.

[@LuvSubbin]

Hi Guys! Sorry for the delay. Funny story - we were at the big Airstream Rally in Tennessee and I proudly told the Zip Dee rep how I had just lubricated everything with WD-40. He promptly "yelled" at me and said that only silicone spray should be used on Zip Dee parts. That's what we now recommend.

[@ExactlyErica]

@@LuvSubbin Yes, that’s a funny story! They take their products seriously! We did actually get silicone from viewing other videos where they mention it as the recommended lubricant. Hopefully it works!

[@canderson116]

Good tips! I’m always having troubles with getting the wheel locked back into the sockets to tighten. Most often it takes two of us to squeeze the arms... it’s tough!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and I agree that the design is not easy to work with. I can't believe I used that Pull Rod for wheelie tightening for years...

[@bluestarindustrialarts7712]

very informative as usual. The 2021 Internationals come with power awnings std.

[@LuvSubbin]

They do. In the case of the Zip Dee power awning, however, I think it is a classic case of fixing something that wasn't broken. As I'm fond of saying "Systems seldom fail because they are too simple".

[@bluestarindustrialarts7712]

@@LuvSubbin Oh I agree. But people like to push buttons. My brothers Prevost Bus has buttons where he can dump and flush his tanks, from the drivers seat!

[@jmkurt3965]

Hi - we are brand new to RV’ing (camper). Do you share your checklists somewhere??

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and congratulations on becoming a part of the RV community. All of our checklists can be downloaded for free at www.luvsubbin.com/checklists

[@donaldwright4742]

I am a newbie, bought a pre owned Airstream. I has an electric/automatic awning. Is this covered in a different video?

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Sorry, we have no experience with the electronic awning. I'm sure there are others on KZbin that have posted such content. Congratulations on becoming an Airstreamer!

[@bobbiebrown3601]

Thanks for the video. What length is your Airstream? I have a 25 ' 1991 Excella. I have had trouble with my awning from the beginning. I bought her 3 years ago. I bent the arms while trying to pull the pins so that it would extend. And others did too attempting to help me. I have a few underlying issues. First, I'm a 5' 1" female. Not tons of upper arm strength and clearly no height. lol Second, my awning does not have the same locking mechanism that you have and most have that do videos on KZbin. Third, the length makes it heavier. Four, mine does not allow me to open it halfway. Its either all or nothing. It will roll back up if not pulled out all the way, and then it must be manually locked with the little arm lock, which again is not like yours. Do you know anyone with a 25' awning? Or anyone on this post familiar with a longer awning? Thanks.

[@LuvSubbin]

Hi Bobbie! Thanks for watching and we hope our video helped a little. Our Airstream is 22' so it's a little shorter than yours. I have to say, I'm very surprised that your awning seems so different. Cindy's parents had a 1988 25' Excella and their awning was identical to ours (except for the length and center support arm). Has it been replaced with something different? A few tips. Since this video was made, I bought the Zip Dee lift handles that help to raise the arms and I would highly recommend them. I previously used the Zip Dee awning pole to loosen my locking wheels but now use a stool which I would also suggest. If you want to send a picture of your awning's mechanism I would be happy to take a look. [e-mail]

[@jeffcampbell9133]

Love to see how you oil your zip dee awning

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and great point! That's an idea for another video. BTW, the Zip Dee guy told me never, ever use WD-40 or machine oil. Only use spray silicone.

[@billnewell9212]

When I put the strap back in the final time, I move it slightly back and forth so as not to have a "ball" in the center.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Also a good tip.

[@Calatriste54]

I'm having some difficulty in pulling and locking the hook arms into position, onto an open awning. Just mechanically difficult. Anyone else have difficulty with this operation?? ? Can the arm be adjusted? Lubricated?

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! I think the key is to ensure your body's leverage is to your advantage. Make sure you are standing with the arm directly in front of you. Also, if you need a step stool to get the leverage, use one. Perhaps even gloves with a grip as a last resort. Hope my suggestions are of value...

[@Calatriste54]

@LuvSubbin My wife said.. "use your body weight to pull the arm toward you". (Like in the video.) That's it, L&S. Thought I'd have to eat more Wheaties.. not so.

[@jeffreyengle2762]

Never let go of that awning when rafter arms are not connected... that awning can easily “take-off” while you have your back turned depending how taught your tube is.... secondly, you didn’t mention how important it is to not let the top of your door “drag” on the awning fabric... it takes very little dragging to cut that beautiful awning... next, that awning can be easily repaired with a piece of the sunbrella fabric (the same fabric your zip-Dee awning is made out of) and a small tube of 100% silicone sealant. Simply take your patch and use a small amount of sealant on it, coat it out to the edges of the patch then press it on the tear (underside preferably).... let it dry thoroughly. (Official Airstream Fix)

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and you make some very good points. The Sunbrella is indeed great fabric and the nick from the door is so small that it is simply cosmetic so we'll just keep an eye on it.

[@jeffreyengle2762]

Luv Subbin that small latch that attaches the wrap to the house can be a real stinker to connect. When we bought our airstream the tension on the main tube was such that it did not allow the fabric to fully wrap the tube tightly making the small “connector” for lack of a better word that is connected to the trailer skin itself.... after closing the awning and rolling it out a few times that little connector caused a nasty rip in our awning about 2 inches long. We took the airstream to the dealer and that’s how they repaired it with some 100% silicone sealant and it’s been perfect ever since. It’s even hard to see unless you’re looking at it.

[@ChrisTheBroadcaster]

I'll try to be brief. .............nahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh............... I type fast and ? ... am "retired (AAAHHGGHHH !!!!)." (But we avoid that excuse--a fav' saying "don't rust out; wear out"-- and because we're marvelously busy (among other things) tweaking our FIRST trailer of ANY kind.) It had to be Airstream. (Childhood New Englander's dream + palm trees & sun). 1 year ago got 1969 Airstream International Land Yacht Overlander (AS marketing sure has flair for that naming stuff !!) with newer manual 17-foot ZipDee. ZipDee has LOCK LEVER on one end-- NO "screen-door-like 'HOOK'"-- WITH middle additional strut). (Given serial #104791 Type AS3, curious how much newer? 'Recently emailed ZipDee.) Fabric LOOKS GREAT--like yours. YOUR video is THE best. Even COMMENTers are spiffy-helpful. THANK YOU !!!. FABRIC REPAIRS !! I shall get extra fabric (Zip Dee sells, I'd bet?) + 100% silicone cement (then, "Murphy's Law," won't need it--but, if so, "a stitch in time..."). CARAVAN POSITION: THIS is first I discovered your videos and ?? CARAVAN thing? = a "game changer." Seller / previous owner showed us much--but did NOT close and open awning--nor did I know enough......or know anything about anything then ........'DO recall they said it'd be 2-$3000 value & if it'd fit their new AS, they'd take it but... (!??) Not until 9 months later did I internalize that. I'm guessing they did NOT put awning up and down A LOT as I--and you--do. Doing so is NO problem...even satisfying...especially after lubing (spray RVcare Slide Out Silicone). But, thus, of the 1-year we've owned it, we only started using ZipDee 3 months ago (when moved to a sun-intense site). CARAVAN position: I stupidly dismissed it because...ignorance is bliss again; I had thought I'd seen on an INFERIOR video that "caravan" position was just all the way down WITH door scraping--so didn't use it. THIS is a game changer here in California's Inland Empire--killing sunlight is crucial especially circa 11am.-1p.m. as (1) wind comes up BUT (2) sun has not cleared top of our north-south facing curb side and (3) when wind is not strong enough to definitely merit retracting it all the way. .........'will stop there.......... Thanks again. "Happy motoring" 'n' all that goes with it.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thank you so much for watching and the wonderful comment! We enjoy making our videos and always appreciate it when someone finds them entertaining or informative. We're specifically glad you found the information on the Caravan position helpful. Hope to see you down the road...

[@donniehelmly4920]

lol....I guess I'm more talented...lol...I have zero issues with the wheelies that hold the awning closed...but, I also carry a small ladder with us.

[@dougperkins130]

The Zip Dee awning is the biggest disappointment with my 2019 AS. It is electric and is constantly not working properly. I have had five previous trailers and no problems until now. AS needs to find a new vendor.

[@kevinlee8243]

I am sorry to hear that! That is exactly one of the reasons my wife and I decided in the end the Flying Cloud was the best option for us. Yes, it had less auto this and that on it, but our awning works every time. I had read about many having issues with the auto opening awnings and I can on imagine what a PITA that can be.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! I've heard of a number of folks that have had issues with their electronic awning. I think Zip Dee is great and hopefully they will work everything out for you and others.

[@jeffreyengle2762]

That electric awning is one thing that I would never get installed and if I bought an airstream with one I would immediately have it removed and put A manual zip-Dee on it. So much better not to mention versatile.

[@joebeck2619]

You must have been Sword Drill

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks Joe but Sword Drill still frightens me. I remember JSD coming through the Quad when we were knobs and having to dive into the bathroom to avoid laying our filthy eyes on them. We had just finished PT in the heat and were dying of thirst. I'll never forget my classmate drinking out of the toilet. #oldcorps

[@DavidLaFerney]

We have the handle accessories - personally I don't find them at all helpful. YMMV.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Each to their own. We use them all the time and find them to be essential but whatever works for you... Safe travels!